Regarding the "town" of Otter (Billings, Ashland: for sale, camping)

[mrsltd]

My first adult visit to Montana over three years ago was because of a little dot on the map in Powder River County called "Otter". According to what I've read, it was named after the creek nearby that used to have lots of otters in it (well over a hundred years ago). When I got there (on a dirt road), I wasn't even totally sure I was there --I saw a post office but that was it. (I didn't go in on that trip) .

The area around was beautiful (open pine forest and hills), and there was camping (I stayed at Red Shale just outside of Ashland) but I plan to go back the next time I see my grandmother (who now lives in Billings) and get a postmark from this place (and see if they have t-shirts in the post office --).

Has anybody else ever been over in this direction, especially resident Montanans? (SE Montana, for those wondering where in the state this is)

[ElkHunter]

I live in Wyoming, just over the state line. Otter is only 60 miles from me. I've been close, but never actually into Otter. I have been to Quietus though. That's as close as I got.

[mrsltd]

Is Quietus a town or a post office with a general store?

Seems that these dots on the map connected by gravel roads would have to have a few amenities even for locals caught in bad weather and such, but I imagine most people that venture into the area have made their own preparations......

[Rickers]

If there is any fishing nearby, maybe I otter go check it out !

[mrsltd]

Originally Posted by rickers

If there is any fishing nearby, maybe I otter go check it out !

Rickers:

I know you were teasing, but I don't recall seeing any place for fishing in the Otter area (which, technically, is inside the Custer National Forest). There were, however, cows at Cow Creek Camp (imagine that), which is why I went to Red Shale. And, of course, there were deer on 212 not far from the area on my last trip, so perhaps instead of fishing.....

[ElkHunter]

My map shows several dam/ponds just West of Otter. But I can't tell if they are on Private or public land. One is pretty large and has a road going to it. It's called "Stevens Number 1 Dam".

Lots of springs in the area too.

[mrsltd]

SE Montana fans:Finally got into Otter on my last visit to my grandmother in Montana. This was over the Jul 1-4 period last year. The post office was actually open, and while the postmistress was not in, her sister-in-law (along with her kids) was "womaning" the shop. She obliged and gave me two good postmark stamps on my envelopes with "Otter, MT 59062" on them. She says they get calls fairly often for this sort of thing. But I'm glad she humored this crazy Californian on 07-03-17!

[historyfan]

There still are river otters in Otter Creek.

[mrsltd]

Originally Posted by historyfan

There still are river otters in Otter Creek.

Where have you seen them?

[historyfan]

Swimming in the creek on a ranch listed for sale on Otter Creek drainage. I thought it was a beaver though coudn't see a tail, but seller corrected me.